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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- McNamara bags Lincoln again after 25 years
McNamara bags Lincoln again after 25 years
Andrew McNamara trained his second Irish Lincolnshire winner, after a gap of 25 years, when 25/1 shot Drombeg Dawn got a narrow verdict in the €60,000 handicap.
The judge had his work cut out after a bunch finish to the competitive mile contest.
Drombeg Dawn had tracked the leaders before duelling it out with Toraidhe inside the final furlong.
The pair flashed past the post locked together with Kyllachy Star and Rory Anna breathing down their necks.
A tight photo revealed Ben Curtis had just shaded the verdict on Limerick owner Cian McAuliffe's charge and the result provoked wild celebrations in the enclosure.
"I won this 25 years ago with Colonel James although he won a lot easier than this filly today!" revealed McNamara afterwards.
"We'll step her up in trip, perhaps to 1m2f, and she'll go on quick ground.
"She was working well at home and is a great filly as her work never varies.
"I was tempted to go over hurdles with her but might have to have a rethink now.
"She was unlucky last year. She loves the Curragh but was beaten four times here by less than a length."
Chris Hayes picked up a three-day ban for improper use and excessive force with the whip after his ride on board Rory Anna.